The Future of Finance: Tackling Illinois' Fiscal Challenges with State Comptroller Susana Mendoza

Prairie State Society at Harris Public Policy is pleased to host State Comptroller Susana Mendoza for a lunchtime speaking engagement at the Harris School on May 3. Mendoza will address a wide range of topics related to state finances, public leadership in Springfield, and new approaches to addressing old problems. Mendoza will touch on technologies, legislation, and possible reforms that could help Illinois reimagine its unsustainable approach to budgeting, and rejuvenate the shrinking State.

Boxed lunch will be provided to registered guests after the program.

Kindly RSVP by April 30.

About Comptroller Susana Mendoza

Susana Mendoza was elected to the office of the Illinois Comptroller in 2016. Previously, she served as the City Clerk of the City of Chicago from 2011-2016, the first woman ever elected to the position. 

In her first term from 2011 to 2015, Clerk Mendoza successfully transitioned 1.3 million customers away from an inefficient and archaic seasonal Chicago City Vehicle Sticker sales program dating back 105 years to a streamlined Year-Round-Sales program, modeled after the Illinois Secretary of State's license plate renewal program. This historic change resulted in millions of dollars of new revenue and better customer service at lower taxpayer cost. As Clerk, Susana also took on the Puppy Mill Industry, successfully passing a City-wide ban on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores unless they are sourced from humane shelters or rescue organizations. Susana was sworn in for her second term as Clerk of the City of Chicago in May of 2015.

Prior to being elected City Clerk, Susana proudly served six terms as a Democratic member of the IL House of Representatives from 2001 to 2011. Elected in 2001 as the youngest member of the 92nd IL General Assembly, she quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious and effective legislator. Susana was publicly recognized for her leadership and legislation on social services, education, law enforcement, job creation and animal welfare. Susana served as Co-Chairperson of the Conference of Women Legislators and twice served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Susana was also a co-founder of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus.

About Prairie State

Prairie State Society (PSS) serves as Harris students' introduction to the State of Illinois, hosting speakers, faculty and panelists to discuss and debate the happenings in state-level government and beyond. PSS strives to educate Harris students and provoke critical thinking about state policies in conversation with state politics. As states and cities continue to play a larger role in the governance ecosystem, understanding the unique dynamics of governing within Illinois will be essential for recognizing national trends. PSS offers a forum both for newcomers as well as long-time Illinoisans to engage with the state beyond the limits of Hyde Park, and learn how cities, suburbs and counties together compose the Prairie State.

Questions? Contact cjacquin@uchicago.edu.